Government has launched a mass anthrax vaccination campaign targeting 20,000 domestic animals in three districts of Muchinga Province as authorities move to contain the outbreak.
The campaign is targeting animals in Mpika, Shiwang’andu and Lavushimanda, with Mpika identified as the epicentre of the outbreak.
Mpika District Commissioner David Siame said the prompt release of vaccines and resources demonstrated Government’s commitment to containing the disease, safeguarding lives and protecting gains made in the livestock sector.
Mr Siame said the outbreak posed a serious threat to the national target of increasing the cattle population to seven million and achieving US$1 billion in beef exports.
Provincial Fisheries and Livestock Coordinator Dr Nasilele Kalonga assured residents that no domestic animals had so far been affected by anthrax.
Dr Kalonga said beef, pork, mutton and goat meat remained safe for consumption, while urging farmers in the targeted areas to make their animals available for vaccination.
She said the success of the campaign would depend on the cooperation of farmers in ensuring that livestock was presented for vaccination.
The vaccination campaign is part of Government’s measures to contain anthrax and protect the livestock sector from further losses.
